I just bought a 99 4runner, 68k. It is my first suv, and i realize it will handle much different than a car. But it seems unusually tough to control. it tracks straight at low speeds, but above 60 i must keep both hands on the wheel. Its a loose squirly feel. Is this common, or an alignment/suspension issue.

 

3rd gen's have a pretty good steering setup with the rack and pinion, and with 68k, I can't imagine any components being worn out.

 

Most likely needs an alignment. Also, 3rd generations are notorious for having a high speed wobble in the steering wheel, or at least a good amount of ppl on t4r.org have that problem. Poly steering rank bushings might help too

 

x2 on alignment. But as stated above, a lot of 3rd gens do have wobble in the steering wheel when driving at high speeds, including mine.

 

68k on a 99 - u got a sweet rig. Alignment, tires, and new suspension will work wonders.

 

Get your wheels blananced and have an alignment done.

 

Correct from everyone. Have alignment done and mention your handling concerns. Have all suspension and steering components thoroughly checked. Ball joints/tie rods/steering rack to name a few that spring to mind.

If it has been sitting around with little usage the tires may even still be 'flat spotted' a bit. Even if low in miles-wow that is low miles for a 99 now- the tires may be old and deteriorated.

 

I have a 99 with 140k on it. It handles perfectly. Your 4Runner should not be squirrely. You have some type of issue. Have it checked immediately.

 

read another thread, exact symptoms as mine, must be the bushings.

 

you won't know untill you get it checked. reding a website won't diagnose your problem

 

hey op, i have a 98 runner with 94k miles on it. i bought it not too long ago and i have to say i'm in love with it. Reason why i went with 4runner instead of other suv's is because of the handling and of course it's a Toyota and known for longevity.

I cant wait for this winter season, first time with my own runner i've driven few of them in the snow and they are fun and considerably safer than other vehicles.

anyways, i do have the same problem that you're experiencing. It drives straight like an arrow at low/moderate speed. However it will shake a little and wobble a bit at high speeds around 60+mph I had every thing checked out and the only thing that we could do was balance the tires.

 

i've got 145K on my 2000 and the front end feels great - up until 60 MPH - then the wobbling kicks in. It's a real lousy feeling just trying to keep up with traffic on, say, the NYS Thruway - where most cars are doing at least 70-75 MPH...

 

check all your bushings rubber can degrade over time also check panhard bar in the rear may need new bushings and or retorqued. also check sway bar links at the same time

 

fire the runner up, open drivers door all the way and check the steering rack. turn the wheel back and forth to see movement. there should be NO play in there. regarless of miles, replace the bushings with poly bushings. EASY job and it will cost you $30! it is a deffinate problem for ALL 4runners, even the new ones.

 

Mine runs smooth and staight at high speeds. No constant steering corrections needed.

[URL=http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/gapboi210/?action=view&current=80mphrun.flv[/URL]

 

Yea. My 4runner when I got it was like that too. But after a while it went away. IDk why but it did. Im a very large multitasker and when im on the highway I set the cruise and bassically let go of the wheel. Or I drive with my knee or like a finger or two. It handles amazing now and there is zero wobble. Just drive it for a bit. It might go away hehe.

 

Did you get new tires and/or an alignment since you bought it?

 

Have them dial in the most Caster the spec allows. Obviously make sure nothing is broken or loose too. I have a modified setup and dial in 3.5 degrees myself. Toyota refuses to align mine so I do it myself.

 

Thanks 4 the advice. New bushings, steering rack and alignment did the job. Now i can drive with my knees.

 

they replaced the steering rack???